Physical Address
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It is a major economic event, the most important in the African continent, that Algeria is preparing to welcome, thus becoming the third African country to house the intra-African trade fair (IATF 2025). A “historic event” for the country, according to Mouloud Khelif, expert and adviser in sustainable strategy and development, which stressed the importance of this event for Algeria and for Africa in terms of expected results of this edition, which arouses interest, even outside the continent.
After three editions, two in Cairo (Egypt) and Durban (South Africa), it is Algeria’s turn to welcome 4e Edition of the IATF. “A historic moment” for Algeria, said Mouloud Khelif, during an information day devoted to the preparations for the IATF, organized Sunday afternoon at the International Center for Conferences (CIC) Abdelatif-Rahal. Affirming that the choice of Algeria is not fortuitous, he indicated that the country sent a strong message in favor of continental development and was elected twice the best pavilion during the previous IATF, stressing that this event will position Algeria “as a hub for trade and investment” at the continent level.
The importance for Algeria to organize this African trade fair has been highlighted by this expert and adviser in strategy and sustainable development. The IATF will mainly “enhance the industrial, agricultural and energy capacities of Algeria”, “strengthen the role of leadership of Algeria in African integration”, and “clearly position the country as one of the first economies of the continent”, in addition to being an opportunity to dismantle the skills for innovation and the creativity of Algerian youth.
The speaker did not fail to mention other advantages during this continental event. In addition to the economic advantages which consist in “the increase in opportunities for trade and investment” and opportunities to “establish new partnerships”, other advantages are available to Algeria, according to the details of Mr. Khelif, which wanted to point out “the strategic positioning of Algeria as a key player in African economic integration”, in addition to the ” diplomatic links with African countries ”.
Bring the share of intra-African trade to 30 %
The IATF, which is described as “gateway to new opportunities”, is also of great importance for Africa. It is the largest partnership platform for trade and investment, as well as it will promote the implementation of the African free trade area (ZLECAF) as well as the development of SMEs and African start-ups.
It is therefore expected from this 4e Edition of the IATF to increase intra-African trade flows, to promote investments in all key sectors, like agriculture, energy, industry, health and education, in addition to the strengthening of Africa’s competitiveness, according to the explanations of Mr. Khelif, which returned to the launch of this fabric but also on the challenges of intra-African trade.
In this sense, it has mentioned the challenges of trade between African countries, citing, among other things, tariff and non -tariff barriers, infrastructure gaps as well as limited production capacities for certain countries. All these “obstacles” mean that the volume of intra-African trade remains limited and do not exceed 15 %. The objective, he underlined, is to bring the share of intra-African trade to 30 % by 2030. This will be possible by the implementation of several mechanisms, starting with the implementation of the ZLECAF, which will allow the creation of a single continental market for goods and services.
The IATF also presents itself as a mechanism which is able to stimulate African trade. Launched by AFREXIMBANK in 2018 to promote ZLECAF, and organized every two years, it is the appropriate platform for the connection of buyers, sellers and political decision-makers, according to the details of Mr. KHELIF.
A wealthy program showing
With more than 2,000 exhibitors and 35,000 visitors, the IATF 2025 promises to be the event of the year. Mr. Khelif wanted to emphasize that this economic event is not only an “exhibition space”. In this perspective, he has exposed the sea and rich program planned. He pointed out the organization of “Algeria Day”, “the day of world African communities”, as well as the organization of B2B meetings and the trade and investment forum.
An African automotive fair is also on the program and will enhance the potential of automotive construction and African supply chains. A focus is put on innovation during this continental meeting, with in particular the organization of the “African Research and Innovation Pole, which is a new initiative launched during the IATF 2025. On the program also a meeting dedicated to start-ups and young African entrepreneurs, which will allow them to present their innovative projects, in addition to putting them in touch with crucial and networking companies.